wasn't the steering rack

[davepetch]

I have recently heard this squeaking noise in the front end when doing parking manouvers and from all the threads I read I thought it must be the steering rack. I even put in some of the friction modifier in the p/s reservoir. The noise persisted so I gave in and took it to the dealer. They checked it out and said the right hand tie rod has lost it's lubrication and needs to be replaced. I was relieved thinking it would be cheaper than a steering rack. Then they told me $468.00 plus 2-1/2 hours of labor. They said I can't just buy the tie rod end because it's part of the steering knuckle and I had to buy the whole assembly. Has this happened to anyone else and does the price seem fair? Remember I am talking Canadian dollars. Thanks in advance.

 

[97stscaddy]

That doesn't sound too right to me. I wouldnt know for sure about this car, but tie rod ends are common replacement parts. I would HOPE that Ford wasn't stupid enough to make it part of the steering knuckle.
And just so you'll know next time, if you hear a squeak while turning, its almost always a bad tie rod end or balljoint.

Rockauto.com lists a tie rod end for the 00- 02 model for $29 a peice Moog pn: EV452 Frot left outer
EV453 front right outer
03+ Moog pn: EV454 front inner. $33
No outer end listed for the 03+

 

[secatman2]

Yes. Just replaced both sides. $368 per.

 

[97stscaddy]

Well now im glad the one im looking at is an 02.

 

[ToddG]

What year LS, engine, etc.? You don't really expect help without providing this info, do you?

 

[fuzzyb]

When the rack is going out it's more of a zippy feeling & sound then a squeak

 

[Roadwarrior50]

The balljoint is part of the knuckle but im 90% sure that the tie rod is easily removed by itself. Mine was squeaking like there was no tommorow last summer and i looked into getting it replaced but after looking around at a few places the noise stopped and everything seemed good again.